G7 threatens to take action if cease-fire agreement brokered

(QHA) -

The leaders of the G7 say the fresh cease-fire agreement for eastern Ukraine offers a peaceful resolution to the crisis and threatened to take action if it is violated.

In a joint statement issued on February 13 by the French presidency, the G7 leaders -- from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States -- said they remained concerned about the situation in eastern Ukraine and in particular about fighting around the town of Debaltseve ahead of the February 15 cease-fire.

"All parties should refrain from actions in the coming days that would hinder the start of the cease-fire," the statement said. The G7 stands ready to adopt appropriate measures against those who violate the 'Minsk' package ... in particular against those who do not observe the agreed comprehensive ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons".

The group is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US - as well as representatives of the EU. Russia, which denies the West's claims it supplies the separatists with troops and weapons, was kicked out of the then-G8 after its annexation of Crimea.